Import Impact: Halttunen and Nurmi fuel Knights’ Memorial Cup push
As the London Knights head to Rimouski, Quebec, to compete in the 2025 Memorial Cup, two names on their roster highlight just how impactful the CHL Import Draft continues to be. Finnish wingers Kasper Halttunen and Jesse Nurmi—both NHL prospects—have become key contributors on a team that has blended international talent with a pro-style structure to secure back-to-back OHL championships.
Selected 41st overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, Halttunen arrived in London following time in Finland and a stint with the San Jose Sharks at their training camp. Reporting to the Knights for the start of the 2023-24 season, he quickly established himself as a force in the lineup.
“My game has grown a huge amount,” Halttunen said. “All the coaches and staff know what they’re doing. It’s not just luck—the numbers don’t lie. Look at all the players in the NHL who have played in London. Now, look at our team.”
A second-round pick (36th overall) by the Sharks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Halttunen’s career has been shaped by key decisions, and so far, none bigger than committing to London.
“After talking with the organization and some players, I decided with the San Jose Sharks, my family, and my agent to come here—and I haven’t had any regrets,” he said. “The only thing I regret is that I didn’t come here earlier.”
Meanwhile, Jesse Nurmi, selected 58th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, has seamlessly transitioned in his first season with the Knights. A fourth-round pick (113th overall) of the New York Islanders in 2023, he signed his entry-level NHL contract last June before heading to North America for the start of the 2024-25 season.
“I saw that the Knights were the best organization to play for in junior hockey,” said Nurmi. “It’s been the best choice.”
The two Finns also shared a friendship that predated their time in London, which helped ease Nurmi’s transition.
“I have known him for a long time. We’ve played against each other and also with the Finnish national team,” said Nurmi. “I texted him before coming here. He told me about how great the city and fans were, and how the team is so good every year – he definitely didn’t lie.”
Their chemistry and work ethic have complemented London’s identity perfectly—skilled, structured, and relentless.
“You can see it every day at practice,” Nurmi added. “It’s just a winning organization. Last year was tough for this team, so everybody wants to win it all this year. That’s the main goal.”
As the Knights gear up for the Memorial Cup, Halttunen and Nurmi are living proof of the global reach and high reward of the CHL Import Draft. Their presence has elevated the Knights’ chances and provided another prime example of what international players can accomplish on North American ice.
“I’ve always loved those big moments,” said Halttunen. “Bigger crowds, brighter lights—something just clicks in my head when it matters most. I’ve been fortunate to play in London and be part of these big games.”
The Knights begin their Memorial Cup run on May 24 at 6:00 p.m. EST, facing off against the QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats.
